While help is coming
- Ask: “Are you choking?” If they can cough or speak, encourage coughing — don’t slap their back while they’re upright and coughing effectively.
- If they can’t breathe, cough, or make sound: give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- Then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich): fist above the navel, sharp inward-and-upward pulls. Alternate 5 and 5.
- If they become unresponsive: lower them to the floor and start CPR. The 911 dispatcher will coach you.
- Afterward — even if it resolves: call the care team. Any choking event on a modified diet warrants a check-in with the SLP.
This page is free forever and is never behind a paywall. Consider taking an in-person CPR/choking-response class — ask your care team for local providers.